As part of Worldwide Logistics Group’s ongoing commitment to keep you informed, we wanted to share an update regarding recent developments with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). This week, the ILA broke off negotiations with East and Gulf Coast port employers over concerns about the introduction of automation technology, which the union views as a threat to jobs.

In October, a three-day ILA strike impacted the flow of goods through 36 East and Gulf Coast ports, underscoring the potential impact of these disputes on supply chains. At that time, the Biden administration successfully negotiated an extension of the current contract through January 15, 2024, allowing talks to continue. However, with negotiations now at a standstill, there is the potential for another strike.

What This Means for Worldwide Logistics Group Customers

• Potential for Delays: Should another strike occur, customers may experience delays due to congestion at affected ports.
• Alternative Routing: We encourage customers to consider routing options and alternative ports to minimize potential disruption.
• Strategic Inventory Planning: For products with critical timelines, we advise advancing shipments or temporarily increasing inventory levels to mitigate the risk of delays.

Worldwide Logistics Group will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will communicate other proactive solutions to safeguard your supply chain as they arise and will keep you updated with any new developments.

For questions or to discuss alternative logistics options, please reach out to your Worldwide Logistics Group representative.